Rural Strategy & Venture Fund Summer Associate

About the Organization 

Our values: Rural America is a place of untapped potential. As an organization, we believe it takes a culture of collaboration — one built upon integrity, respect, and trust — to achieve equity and help rural people and places take on meaningful roles in the 21st-century tech economy. 

The Center On Rural Innovation (CORI) is a nonprofit organization advancing economic prosperity in rural America through the creation of inclusive tech economy ecosystems that support scalable entrepreneurship and tech job creation. Guided by a strong belief in rural ingenuity and small-town potential, CORI collaborates with the CORI Innovation Fund to invest in scalable technology startups in rural America to enhance economic growth and job creation in small communities. Our systems approach to supporting rural tech economies involves building a national network of local economic change agents; increasing the technical workforce and access to tech jobs; using mapping and data to highlight rural opportunities; making direct investments in underserved rural entrepreneurs; and closing the digital divide. We currently work with 38 rural communities across 25 states to execute on this model. 

Job Summary:

The Rural Community Development/Impact Venture Fund Intern supports the dual objectives of supporting entrepreneurs through the Center On Rural Innovation’s (CORI) Impact Venture Fund, as well as facilitating tech-based economic development in rural communities. This position involves a wide range of activities from engaging with investors to directly working with rural communities to foster the growth of tech economies. Potential projects include:  

• Assisting the fund’s efforts to identify rural tech startups and conducting diligence on potential investments
• Conducting market research and assisting in writing investment memos
• Working directly with rural communities to collect and manage data on all active startups in our national network
• Creating resources for startup community leaders to launch and operate startup programs and events (e.g., pitch events)
• Supporting the facilitation of workshops for rural communities seeking to build tech economy ecosystems - including preparing tools and templates for community leaders
• Supporting the daily operations of community cohorts that are identifying strategies and plans to build their tech economy ecosystem

Projects will be matched to the interest and experience of applicants. The position is geared towards individuals passionate about making a tangible impact on rural economies through technology and investment, offering a unique opportunity to experience the intersection of economic development and venture capital within a mission-driven context.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Requirements

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Learn the strategies required to develop inclusive tech economy ecosystems in rural areas
• Perform a range of research, writing, and copy-editing tasks related to rural economic development, entrepreneurship or broadband infrastructure for communities, foundations, or other clients
• Participate in interviews with industry experts and local stakeholders to inform our strategic recommendations
• Create clear, actionable slide decks, presentations, templates, and other written materials that move our community partners forward
• Perform other duties as assigned
  
• Impact Venture Fund
• Investor sourcing: Finding and contacting potential co-investors  
• Deal screening: call prospects, evaluate opportunities
• Documentation: summarize and record call notes
• Gather information from target companies and industry experts
• Research potential competitors to the target company
• Research and talk with industry players to evaluate the target company’s technology including IP
• Assist in preparing internal investment memos
• Perform other duties as assigned

Required Skills/Attributes:

• Individual with an interest in rural tech-based economic development or broadband infrastructure
• Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills, including use of  Excel, PowerPoint, Google Enterprise tools, web-based tools and databases
• Demonstrated strength in rigorous analysis and structured problem solving
• Self-directed, and able to thrive in a collaborative team environment
• Outstanding analytical skills, detail-oriented, proactive and self-motivated
• Attentive to detail and curiosity in learning new, technical material

Education and Experience:

• MBA or seeking an MBA
• 2+ years of relevant experiences in venture capital, finance, banking, consulting, corporate development or similar industries
• Relevant coursework or work experience in technology, public policy, political science, economics, or entrepreneurship

Benefits

• Number of Positions: 2 internship positions available
• Hourly Rate of Pay: $20 per hour

Physical Requirements:

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

Location:

Fully remote

At this time we are not considering candidates from the West Coast due to time zone scheduling complexities.